January 17, 2023 — Lawernce/Geist

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Founded Jan. 27, 2015, at Fishers, IN Vol. VIII, No. 52

Copyright 2022 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. 30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

Unique coffee shop connects with community

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

With a mission to connect with the local community through house-made baked goods and coffee brewed with special care, a Fishers coffee shop has become a destination for local residents.

Offering unique, fresh-brewed drinks made with ingredients sourced in-state is how Geist Coffee Company at 10110 Brooks School Rd. in Fishers derived its name. Jeremy Balch owns and operates the coffee shop with his wife, Tristan. They celebrated the shop’s five-year anniversary on Jan. 1. Together, they have forged strong relationships with people in the community.

Jeremy isn’t just the owner. He also runs shifts behind the coffee bar and fills the role of barista as needed. He enjoys being involved with the day-to-day operations.

“I like doing it,” Jeremy said. “I also help in the back, in the kitchen. We bake a lot. We have a breakfast menu, and we make all the bacon, sausage, eggs, chicken, everything is all made in-house that we source from local farms in the state.”

Geist Coffee Company makes all its pastries in-house, too. From cinnamon rolls to muffins, the owners want to ensure quality in each product they offer.

Jeremy comes from a background in corporate management. He was the vice president of Iron Mountain, a records and data management company, for nearly 20 years before leaving to focus on spending time with his family. He then became associate pastor at Geist Community Church before stepping away from ministry.

“I found (being an associate pastor) to be somewhat restricting,” Jeremy said. “You’re in this little church box and you’re not able to connect with a wide range of people in the same way that I would have at my previous job. (Tristan and I) wanted to be more involved with our larger community.

“We realized that the way we were able to do that was at coffee shops. So we thought, ‘We really should have our own coffee shop.’”

At about that same time, the couple heard that the cafe that previously occupied the space had closed, and they jumped at the opportunity to purchase it.

The views of the columnists in Current in Geist are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

“The place previously had six owners, the last four of which went bankrupt,” Jeremy said. “No one really had the money to invest in it and it resulted in us having to completely reconstruct the coffee bar and buy a really nice, new imported espresso machine.”

When the Balches bought the cafe, it was called Northwoods Cafe. Jeremy said he wanted to “honor” the cafe for what it was before the family took over, resulting in the well-known rustic decor and feel of the shop.

Geist Coffee Company uses coffee beans from Utopian Coffee in Fort Wayne. The owners of the business visit coffee farms around the world to personally source their beans.

“We want to make great coffee,” Jeremy said. “We want to expand our knowledge in it and the skill of our baristas, and that’s because coffee is the tool that helps us connect with our community. It’s the reason we come together. It’s the reason we have repeat customers. It’s because we enjoy (coffee) and it’s soothing, something comforting to gather around.”

Most patrons on a given day are repeat customers who come to meet a friend, work or catch up with friends who already happen to be in the shop. Local resident Josh McNair, owner of Geist Realty, said Geist

Coffee Company has become the “unofficial town hall” of the area.

“This is the best coffee shop at Geist Reservoir,” McNair said. “It’s unofficially the Geist town hall and the go-to meeting place for Geist locals. The staff is so friendly, and the service is great.”

Jeremy’s goals for the new year include exploring roasting coffee in house, although it’s likely any changes won’t happen until 2024.

Other goals for the year include focusing on staff by growing employees’ knowledge of the product and offering them the opportunity to become involved in developing the menu.

“We want to start building coffee knowledge and offering coffee cuppings (studying different techniques of how to brew coffee) with our team,” Jeremy said. “We want our staff to be able to get their ideas out there, whether they work out or not. Whether that be a new syrup flavor or a seasonal drink, we really want to build out the team.”

For more, visit geist.coffee.

The Balch family owns Geist Coffee Company. From left, Anabelle, Jeremy, Tristan and Josh pause inside the store. (Photo courtesy of Geist Coffee Company)

CURRENT Q&A

Getting to know Ann Manship

Ann Manship has played violin with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra since its founding in 1975. She lives in the Geist area and works as a pharmacist.

What is your favorite piece of music to perform? To hear?

Beethoven’s “9th Symphony” literally gives me chills when performing this piece or hearing it. What is the most memorable thing that’s happened when you’ve been on stage with an orchestra?

During one of our educational concerts when older folks were invited on stage and a woman. possibly 80-plus years old, came up and enjoyed the experience of sitting within the orchestra. What is your best habit?

The art of conversation. I literally “interview” new people I meet and can get them comfortable talking. I have always said I could go to a stranger’s wedding reception and have a perfectly good time talking to the folks I meet.

What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

I turn my concentration to an entirely different subject and explore it in my mind.

Is there a book that you recommend to everyone?

I have two books that surface to the top: No. 1, “Guns, Germs and Steel” by Jared Diamond. It is a “whirlwind tour of 13,000 years of world history.” It gives insight to the fates of human societies. No. 2, “Napoleon” by Andrew Roberts. I really do love history, and this gave insight to the political and cultural happenings of his era.

Is there a musician you admire? Why?

Joshua Bell, violinist, and Andrea Bocelli, Italian tenor. Not only do I enjoy their performances, but I am fascinated about their life journeys.

Senior provides strong leadership to ZCHS girls basketball team

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The only number Zionsville Community High School girls basketball player Mallory Heerdt is concerned about is the victory total.

“Mallory does not worry about her stat line. She does all the little things that have made us successful this season,” Eagles coach Andy Maguire said of the senior forward. “She is the heart and soul of our team on the floor and in the locker room. We had a leadership academy this fall, and it was unanimous that Mallory was the leader of the team. Mallory is our most vocal leader, and she always leads by example.

“She knows everyone’s responsibilities on every play, and she does a great job of coaching her teammates up during the game. Mallory also is very helpful at practice with our JV and freshman kids when we are doing skill work, especially post work.”

As of Jan. 11, the 6-foot Heerdt, a three-

MEET MALLORY HEERDT

Favorite subject: Calculus

Favorite movies: All Marvel movies

Favorite musician: Zach Bryan

year starter, was averaging 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds for the Class 4A No. 2 Eagles (18-0).

“The success that we’ve had so far is the result of all the hard work that my team has put in behind the scenes, and so it is really special and means a lot to us to see it pay off,” Heerdt said.

Heerdt said she has improved the most in her leadership ability.

“My job is to make sure the team is running seamlessly on the court, whether that be on defense or offense, and this season I have taken that role very seriously,” Heerdt said. “My role has never been to get the most stats or score the most but to be the

voice for my teammates

“I am also very blessed that my teammates have so much talent that it allows me to fill this role.”

Senior Laila Hull, who will play for the University of North Carolina next season, averages team-highs of 22.2 points and 8.6 rebounds.

“Laila is my best friend, on the court and off,” Heerdt said. “When she moved here in sixth grade, we have been inseparable playing basketball with each other every single year since. I’ve seen her journey and her growth, and I am so, so proud of everything she has accomplished, and it makes me very happy to see her reach all her goals and dreams.”

Heerdt’s father, Brian Heerdt, is the ZCHS junior varsity boys basketball coach, so she has been around the game her entire life.

Although Maguire said Heerdt could play college basketball at the NCAA Division III or NAIA level, she doesn’t plan to pursue playing opportunities.

“Although I have a great passion and love for the sport, I know it is time to move on and start a new chapter of my life,” Heerdt said.

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Zionsville Community High School forward Mallory Heerdt is the Eagles’ senior captain. (Photo courtesy of ZCHS athletics)

Heerdt

tour’

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Indianapolis mayoral candidate Robin Shackleford kicked off her campaign listening tour Jan. 7 with a stop at the Lawrence branch of Indianapolis Public Library at 7898 Hague Rd.

ELECTION

Shackleford is the Democratic state representative for Indiana House District 98. She is challenging incumbent Indianapolis mayor Joe Hogsett for the Democratic nomination in the May 2 primary election. Shackleford said the purpose of the listening tour is to provide Indianapolis residents with the chance to meet her, hear more about her vision and share their concerns and hopes for the city.

“We can do better,” Shackleford said during her stop in Lawrence. “I put together this listening tour to hear about (voter) ideas and concerns before I put together my own policies. I’m a policy person. I can put together a policy plan by myself, but I want to be more inclusive. I want to hear about what you care about and how we can work together to achieve a common goal.”

Topics that Shackleford will focus on

in her campaign include public safety; economic growth; diversity and inclusion; infrastructure and transportation; housing; education and youth; and health care.

If elected, Shackleford plans to address root causes of increased crime rates in Indianapolis, support small businesses, enforce the city’s minority, women and veteran-owned businesses, invest in longterm pothole repair, address homelessness in a humane manner, increase literacy in students and adults and address the rise in chronic health conditions in the Indianapolis area.

For more, visit robin4indy.com.

Robin Shackleford addresses Lawrence residents about issues she plans to highlight in her campaign for Indianapolis mayor. (Photo by Rebecca Fending)

INDY’S CITY WIDE DINING EXPERIENCE

Nonprofit backs foster bill

news@geistcurrent.com

Leaders at the Indiana nonprofit Foster Success, an organization that provides support to foster care youth when they are about to or have already transitioned out of the foster care system, announced their support Jan. 9 of Senate Bill 151, which the organization has dubbed the Insuring Foster Youth Trust Fund Bill. The measure was filed by State Sen. Kyle Walker (R-Lawrence).

BILL

SB 151 includes four key provisions:

• An appropriation for the Insuring Foster Youth Trust Fund of $1.5 million each year of the 2023-2025 state budget.

• Reduces barriers to entry into the State Auto Insurance Plan for foster youth.

• Expands the Foster Care Tax Credit Program to donors of the Insuring Foster Youth Trust Fund and includes extending the program through Jan. 1, 2028.

• Free access for foster families to Indiana State Parks.

“Senate Bill 151 has been years in the making and will go a long way toward ensuring young people with foster care experience are empowered with the support and tools necessary to be successful now and self-sufficient later,” Foster Success President and CEO Maggie Stevens stated. “I commend Sen. Kyle Walker for understanding the importance of this issue.”

Walker authored successful legislation last year that established the Insuring Foster Youth Trust Fund and directed the Indiana Dept. of Child Services to administer it. The public and private dollars in the fund will be used to provide payments to foster youth to help bear the costs of automobile insurance and supervised driving hours.

“It’s critical we secure funding for the program so Indiana’s foster youth have access to car insurance, and ultimately the ability to broaden their lives with transportation to work, learning and quality living experiences,” Walker stated. “Everything we do to help Indiana’s foster youth stands to benefit our communities and state overall.”

For more, visit fostersuccess.org.

Walker

Heartland Film moves HQ to Fort Ben Cultural Campus

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Heartland Film has announced it is moving its headquarters to the Sterrett Center at 8950 Otis Ave. on the Fort Ben Cultural Campus. With the support of Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, the local nonprofit arts organization has renovated the center and will conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 25. The public is welcome to attend the ceremony, which will be followed by an open house until 6 p.m.

EVENT

The Sterrett Center, initially called the Fort Harrison Service Club, provided leisure opportunities to enlisted men and had a combined military and recreational library. The center was then used as a community center maintained by Lawrence’s parks department before becoming the base for Heartland Film.

“The Sterrett Center is the perfect space for Heartland Film to live out our vision to be the preeminent destination for connecting audiences and filmmakers to experience transformative film,” President Michael Ault stated. “With the Arts for Lawrence’s Theater at the Fort, musical swings, amphitheater and visual arts center, the Fort Ben Cultural Campus is where art and community meet.”

Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier will welcome Heartland Film to the Sterrett Center at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“I am thrilled to welcome Heartland Film to Lawrence,” Collier said. “The addition of this well-established, internationally recognized film organization is another indicator of the growth taking place in our great city. Through their engaging films, multiple festi-

The Sterrett Center, originally a community center active-duty servicemen, will now be Heartland Film’s new headquarters. (Photo courtesy of Heartland Film)

vals and community outreach, residents and visitors will enjoy the perks of Heartland Film making Lawrence their home.”

Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization that annually runs the 11-day Heartland International Film Festival in October, the Academy Award-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival in July, the Truly Moving Picture Award and other year-round programs. Based in Indianapolis, Heartland Film was founded in 1991 with the mission to “curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives,” according to the organization’s website.

As Heartland Film looks to the future, it will launch a new building fund at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to help raise funds for additional needs like a new projector, sound system and other updates that will help make its new event center more functional for community programs.

For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.

Lawrence resident creates bustling woodworking business

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

What began as a need to build a fence in his yard turned into a successful woodworking business. With borrowed and repurposed pieces of wood, a longtime Lawrence resident is now a full-time craftsman.

Michael Gant created his woodworking business, The Gant Collective, from the ground up over the last eight years. The business has enjoyed organic growth thanks to referrals from family and friends. From smooth-finished bowls to cigar ashtrays that gave him a name, Gant oversees his dream business of crafting custom-made wood products.

When The Gant Collective was first established, Gant decided to try his hand at building a pallet fence. Six years later, the COVID-19 pandemic created the opportunity for Gant and his wife, Shannon, to focus on their own business.

“It kind of actually started when we moved into our house. We had a husky (pet dog),” Shannon said. “We didn’t want her to have to be on a chain (in the backyard). So, we built a pallet fence. Then, it turned into (Michael) saying, ‘Well, I can make this, and that.’

“He even made the dog’s food and water bowls, and then it took off from there.”

Shannon plays an integral role in the business. She ships, sells and helps market the business and accompanies Michael to the Binford Farmers Market to sell the products.

“The last two summers, we’ve worked at the Binford Farmers Market,” Shannon said. “I also help ship products across the country, but Michael is the creative brains behind this process.”

When the pandemic began, Michael was laid off from his previous full-time job with Wenger Corp. as an athletic sales representative. The layoff, he said, was the catalyst that made it possible for him to focus on building The Gant Collective.

“When the layoff came, my wife and I had said that it sped up our calendar,” Michael said. “At the beginning of 2020, we had decided that it would be two more years

of working for someone else, and then we would focus on the woodworking business. So, really, (the pandemic) was the impetus.”

With the opportunity to jump into his business wholeheartedly, Michael began creating works from spare wood and even donated pieces from friends and family. He started making tables for the couple’s home, and when friends and family saw what he created, they requested pieces for their homes and offices.

“People would see tables in our home and say, ‘I love that table, can you make me one?’ And it’s hard to say no,” Michael said. “The more people that I gave my work to,

the more creative clients became with their asks.

“Now, I’m pretty comfortable following any custom request someone may throw at me.”

Michael and Shannon enjoy cigars. Michael made an ashtray specifically for the couple that later earned him the moniker, “The Cigar Ashtray Guy,” according to Shannon.

“I posted the ashtray on Facebook, and the next thing you know, I got friends who requested custom trays for themselves,” Michael said. “The more they shared their trays on social media, the more requests I

got. The ashtrays are kind of my specialty now, given that we’ve shipped them out to 26 states in the last two years.”

The success of The Gant Collective is completely organic, according to the Gants. Each order Michael has completed has been requested through family, friends and referrals, with no additional marketing assistance. Products are only sold through the business’ private Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Michael creates his client’s custom orders at the Maker Playground at Hub & Spoke at 8100 E. 106th St., Suite 260, in Fishers. He has been a member of the makerspace for a little more than a year and said the space has the tools and resources needed to make “great products” for his clients.

“(Maker Playground) enables me to not have to worry about heating and cooling a 16-foot-high ceiling in our two-car garage,” Michael said. “I get to utilize a number of pieces of their equipment and also bring my own to create my pieces.”

Although Michael loves what he does, he said clients’ reactions to his work are what “makes it worth it.”

“I know I’m on the right track because I see how people appreciate my work,” Michael said. “I just do what I like to do and, fortunately, people like it.”

To see more of The Gant Collective, visit instagram.com/thegantcollective.

MORE OF THE GANT COLLECTIVE OFFERINGS

Although Michael Gant has made a name for his business by specializing in ashtrays and tables, his custom creations expand into the following areas:

• Cutting boards

• Charcuterie boards

• Centerpieces

• Coasters

• Candleholders

• Bowls

• Shelves

ON THE COVER: Michael Gant stands in his workshop area at the Maker Playground at Hub & Spoke in Fishers. (Photo by Rebecca Fending)

A dark-stained table made by The Gant Collective. (Photo courtesy of The Gant Collective)

Gant

A platform centerpiece made by The Gant Collective. Gant creates custom cigar ashtrays for clients upon request.

IT’S gr e at TO

DINE OUT!

The Great Dine Out in Hamilton County January 2–31, 2023

It’s great to dine out—enjoy the company of others, participate in local culture, and support local restaurants all while earning special deals on food. Simply check in at participating Hamilton County restaurants with the Great Dine Out digital passport. If you check in five times, you’ll get a $25 local restaurant gift card—while supplies last.

Claim your digital passport at DineOutHamiltonCounty.com or scan the QR code.

Adding insult to injury?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Famed fashion icon Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, Coco to most of us, is reputed to have said, “I’m so sick of immaturity, of name-calling, of labels, of gossip, of high school. It doesn’t make sense anymore, and I find myself being nice to people that I want to strangle.” Chanel long attributed her rise from extraordinarily humble beginnings to become a symbol of wealth, access and good taste as the result of her immunity to the critiques of others. She is believed to have said that it was her very differences from the rest, at the time, that granted her advantage. Attributed with changing the perception of sun tans from being the bastion of the working-class laborer to representing the idle leisure of permanent vacation, Chanel soaked-up criticism as she did the sun. Coco owned her cuckoo.

While name-calling appears to be something hardwired in nearly every human, it has a remarkable impact on most of us. Even the youngest child intuitively attacks her perceived transgressors with a pointed verbal assault. She demands, “Give me

back my toy, you monkey head!” And the so-called “monkey-headed” nursery mate retorts, “No chance, stinky face.” Now the fight is on! Words, then shoving, then tears — all from a denunciation that makes no sense.

Adults are little better. We wither as the insults are hurled at us. We resent those who’ve sent them. We plot our vengeance because of the offence. Mostly, the abuses are inconsequential. Often, we could care less about the person labeling us. Yet, why does it get under our skin? Why do we care so much about something so insignificant asserted by someone so inconsequential? Likewise, how often are we responsible for wrongly castigating others? Would we care less about the invectives launched at us if we weren’t so keen to shoot them at others?

Wasn’t the best idea

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

This year for my birthday, I decided to nix the annual family Escape Room experience and throw myself a good old-fashioned murder mystery dinner soiree. I may have chosen poorly. It started out OK. Sure, I was exhausted from taking down the last of the holiday decorations (you’re welcome, neighbors!), vacuuming virtually enough dog hair to make another, hiding nine potential murder weapons in creative yet not-impossible-to-find locations, going to the grocery, setting the table for 10 (even though it only comfortably seats eight), artistically arranging a body, and then, of course, transforming myself into Alex Cited, an overly dramatic 1920s theater owner with a penchant for spontaneous duets.

– DANIELLE WILSON

HUMOR

My guests arrived around 4 p.m. (it’s my party and I’ll start obscenely early if I want to!), looking fabulous as either flappers or Peaky Blinders. But I’d forgotten to preheat the oven, so already the schedule was delayed 20 minutes. And as the hostess, not only was I responsible for feeding everyone, but also facilitating the game. One minute I’m tossing the salad, and the next

I’m screaming hysterically about finding a dead guy in the basement. Then I’m back to checking the Stouffer’s. And on it went for three hours, through multiple meal courses and preposterous clue rounds.

Don’t get me wrong, I did have moments of fun. My redheaded daughter played her role with such a thick French accent and a professed disdain for gingers that I laughed every time she spoke. But I think it was simply too much work for me to enjoy.

I’m glad I tried something new, but lesson learned. Next year, I’m booking an Escape Room.

Peace out.

Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.

I’m glad I tried something new, but lesson learned. Next year, I’m booking an Escape Room.

Already broke these resolutions

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

HUMOR

For the year 2023, I made 12 New Year’s resolutions. I’ve already broken every single one. Here is the dirty dozen:

1. In a restaurant, when the waitress sees my totally cleaned plate and asks how I enjoyed my meal, I will not say, “I didn’t like it one bit.”  According to a survey I read, they hear this all the time and they do not think it is funny.

2. When people ask, “How’s Barney?” (my famous dog who passed 20 years ago), I will stop saying, “Still dead.” No one finds this amusing, and they think I am an insensitive jerk.

3. I will stop salting what Mary Ellen makes for dinner before I even taste it. In future years, I will tackle my addiction to pepper, Heinz 57 and teriyaki sauce.

4. I will put a cover on food when I heat it in the microwave, so the meal doesn’t end up as splatter all over the inside (amendment to resolution: I’ll try to remember not to use aluminum foil).

5. For stocking stuffers next Christmas, I will not buy kitchen gadgets for my wife that she will never use. We have 11 devices engineered to open jar lids. None of them work.

6. When Mary Ellen asks me what I want for dinner, I will not say, “I don’t care.” I still won’t care, but I will stop saying it.

7. When someone says, “You remind me of Dick Wolfsie,” I will not jokingly reply, “I’m sorry to hear that. I found him very annoying on TV.” I will stop this because when I have said it, many people have agreed with me.

8. I will not cut the crust off a sandwich, realize I’m still hungry, and then eat the crust.

9. I will not cheat when I play Words with Friends. Last year, with the help of a word-finder website, I

placed “oxazepam” (a drug) on just the right squares for a whopping 192 points. Now, no one will play with me, so I call the game, ‘Words All By Myself.’

10. I will not open the fridge looking for a snack and stare for two minutes hoping that some miracle will appear, like a corned beef sandwich on rye.

11. I will not whistle in my downstairs office while writing my column. My wife says that if I whistle while I work, I sound like one of the Seven Dwarfs. Which dwarf am I? See the next resolution.

12. When I watch a movie with Mary Ellen, I will not nod off, because when I wake up, I make her tell me what I missed.

“Mary Ellen, why are those people jumping off the ship?”

“It’s the Titanic, Sleepy. I hope you had a good nap.”

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TOM WOOD SUBARU SUPPORTS MEALS ON WHEELS

One of our 4 charities during Tom Wood Subaru’s “Share the Love” initiative is; Meals on Wheels.

Meals on Wheels has been guided by a single goal – to support our area senior neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age. What started as a compassionate idea has grown into one of the largest and most effective social movements in America, currently helping nearly 2.4 million seniors annually!

MEALS ON WHEELS IS ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN TWO AREAS, VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS

VOLUNTEERS

Meals on Wheels could not serve our clients on 36 routes all over greater Indianapolis without our dedicated volunteers! Whether they deliver meals once or several times a month, the need to serve our senior, disabled and chronically ill clients is more important than ever. Volunteering is a win-win: a win for the clients and a win for the volunteer(s) to serve a basic need in the community.

• There are nine meal pick up sites: 7 hospitals and 2 healthcare facilities.

• Meals are delivered at lunchtime on weekdays (minimum once a month).

• Training is provided.

Here is how to donate:

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

POLICIES

Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

• 1 hour orientation + an experienced volunteer accompanies new volunteers on their first delivery day.

DONATIONS

Every dollar donated goes directly to purchase meals for our low-income clients who struggle. For example, a $100 donation will provide 25 meals! The impact is tremendous. Supporting this mission to innovate, collaborate and advocate to end hunger and malnutrition is vital to our success. Every dollar donated goes directly to purchase meals for our low-income clients who struggle.

• Online donations can be made at: www. mealsonwheelsindy.org/donate

• Or mail checks to: Meals on Wheels: 708 E. Michigan St. , Indianapolis, IN 46202

During the month of December , thru Jan 3rd, 2023, Tom Wood Subaru donated $250 for every vehicle you leased or purchased.

The donations went to your chosen charity; Meals on Wheels, or one of the other “Share the Love” charities. (the ASPCA, National Parks Foundation or Make-A-Wish or Miracle Place)

To find out more about Meals on Wheels and how you can help, be sure to visit their website at: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

Left to right: Patrick Sebanc (Communications Coordinator of Meals on Wheels), Hope Steel (Volunteer Coordinator of Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana). Marisol Davalos Esqueda (Outreach Coordinator), Barb Renshaw (Director of Outreach for Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana), and Scott Reckley (Tom Wood Subaru GM).

Zach Wilska (Sales & Leasing Consultant ) and Scott Reckley. (Tom Wood Subaru GM) deliver a Meals On Wheels.

For stocking stuffers next Christmas, I will not buy kitchen gadgets for my wife that she will never use.

We have 11 devices engineered to open jar lids. None of them work. When Mary Ellen asks me what I want for dinner, I will not say, “I don’t care.”

I still won’t care, but I will stop saying it.

– DICK WOLFSIE

Flu cases rising in state

news@geistcurrent.com

Influenza is circulating in Indiana and the number of cases is trending above last year’s figure, according to state health officials. Indiana has recorded 94 flu deaths so far this season, an increase from last year’s total of 83.

PREVENTION

Moreover, state health officials say there has been an increase in hospitalizations for Hoosiers with flu-like illnesses.

“Like many states, Indiana is experiencing very high levels of flu activity right now,” Indiana State Health Commissioner Kristina Box stated.

Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract. Symptoms include sore throat, coughing, body aches, congestion, chills and fever. According to the Mayo Clinic, the flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it’s not the same as stomach “flu” viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.

The flu spreads much like other viruses, in that it travels through the air in droplets, and when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks, droplets can be inhaled. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with the virus are likely contagious from about a day before symptoms appear until about four days after they start.

“For the best chance of staying healthy, be sure to get the flu vaccine, stay home when you feel sick, wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth while coughing,” said Luke McKinney, an infection preventionist at IU Health Saxony Hospital in Fishers.

With higher levels of transmission, the Indiana Dept. of Health urges residents to protect themselves and their families by getting the flu vaccine.

“It is more important than ever to protect yourself and those around you from this highly contagious respiratory infection,” Box stated “This year’s flu vaccine continues to be a good match for the circulating strains, and it is your best protection against a severe, and possibly tragic, outcome.”

McKinney

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Lawrence residents Christi and Aaron Parker celebrated the grand opening of their Le Macaron franchise at 8701 E.116th St. Suite 150 in Fishers

on Jan. 7. The patisserie offers macarons, beignets, croissants and many more traditional French baked goods.

The Parkers fell in love with Le Macaron and its atmosphere after visiting the Carmel location at 14550 Clay Terrace Blvd.

“We really liked the product,” Christi said. “The store is amazing and so are the treats. We kind of fell in love with the look of the store, and then fell in love with the company.”

Le Macaron offers a variety of traditionally prepared French goods, including 20 different flavors of macarons, cakes (some featuring macarons as decorative toppers), chocolates and candies, cream puffs, eclairs, tarts, crepes, beignets, croissants and more.

As business grows, the Parkers want to get more involved with the communities of Fishers and Lawrence.

“Although we’re still just working to keep ahead with the grand opening, we really want to do community outreach and support things,” Christi said. “Looking at the long-term goal, it’s definitely to give back to our communities.”

For more, visit lemacaron-us.com.

Christi and Aaron Parker enjoy treats in their new Le Macaron franchise in Fishers. (Photo courtesy of Christi and Aaron Parker)

Fishers classical concert pianist helps create multimedia performance

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Clare Longendyke’s grief during the COVID-19 pandemic provided inspiration for her project.

‘CLUE’

“Clue” performances run through Feb. 5 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

TAY BRONSON & THE TACKLE BOX

PROJECT

The Fishers classical concert pianist was awarded a 2022 Faith, Justice, and the Arts grant through St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Indy to create a new work of multimedia performance art called “Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered.”

“(The project) combines the live performance of four new solo piano works by composers with the presentation of a new film presented in three short chapters and the reading of poems by contemporary poets to create an hour-long performance.”

Longendyke said. “The inspiration behind the project was to create a multi-movement artistic work that includes multiple artistic forms and perspectives that address issues of social justice/injustice, all within the structure of a classical requiem, which is historically a piece of music that accompanies a funeral mass and offers repose to the soul of the deceased person.

“In the performances of ‘Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered,’ the music, film segments and poems will alternate, making the performance truly multimodal.”

The film was created by Deonna Weatherly, an Indianapolis-based videographer and film director. The premiere will be at 4 p.m. Jan. 29 at St. Paul Episcopal Church Indy, 6050 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Admission is free. There will be a second performance at 4 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Admission is free, although a donation to the IHC is suggested.

Longendyke said she felt grief when deep in thought, practicing or speaking with her husband, colleagues and collabo-

rators during the pandemic.

“The feeling of uselessness that overwhelmed me when I would open my New York Times app every morning, and then question how my life as a concert pianist was making any difference in a world filled with hatred, unkindness, violence and destruction,” she said. “We all saw it happening around us during the pandemic, the rotating media cycles that sparked fear, the growing distance between humans, the crumbling of our planet with no clear direction for how to stop or slow it down. I needed a way out, a spark of inspiration, during that time, and it came in the form of creating new work.”

Longendyke said the piano pieces she commissioned were by four composers from a variety of cultural backgrounds. They are Rex Isenberg, an American composer from Philadelphia now living in Los Angeles; Emily Koh, a Singaporean composer on faculty at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia; Reinaldo Moya, a Venezuelan composer who is residing in Minnesota; and Nkeiru Okoye, an American-born composer of African American and Nigerian ancestry.

“Each composer was prompted to

compose a piece from a deeply personal place that aligns with their social justice advocacy, and the result was four divinely individual works of art,” Longendyke said. “Each of the four piano pieces responds to an issue or an emotion that the composer felt was vital to put into the world after the global upheaval of the last three years. Rex’s piece explores the search for solace in a troubled world. Emily’s piece is a response to the silencing of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans in the United States. Reinaldo’s work is a response to the grief of losing a family member, and Nkeiru’s piece is about hope, giving listeners something to root for. Deonna’s film is about the search for self.

“Each piece fits into a specific movement of the classical requiem form, some of which are more hopeful and uplifting, celebrating the life of the person who was lost. Other parts of the requiem are more tragic.”

Longendyke said “Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered” are designed to provide a forum for audience members to listen, learn from the artistic voices being represented and grieve within the performance space.

“There is no one emotion that I expect people to feel, but I do hope that the performance sparks deep feelings in those participating, especially since the art being presented is all deeply meaningful to the artists involved in its creation,” she said.

Longendyke said she and Weatherly began discussing the project in February 2022, shortly after she was awarded the grant

“Having worked with Deonna before, I knew that I could pitch her an idea and let it simmer while she found the perfect story to tell through her film,” Longendyke said. “We touched base several times as she was story-boarding the film, but I mostly let her lead the film portion of the performance since that is her area of expertise and not mine.”

For more, visit clarelongendyke.com.

The Live at the Center series features Tay Bronson & the Tackle Box at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at The Tarkington. Tickets are $5 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

‘DRINKS WITH DEE DEE SORVINO’

“Drinks with Dee Dee Sorvino: A night of comedy, cocktails and chords” is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20-21 at Feinstein’s Cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

editorial@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Community Players has named Hannah Janowicz its artistic director.

The Noblesville resident has been involved in performance art from a young age, performing in more than 20 productions and providing costuming, makeup, prop making and assistant direction.

Janowicz graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in public communication and theatre studies, with an emphasis in arts administration and advocacy. Since then, she has worked in marketing, ticket sales and community outreach for various theater companies, including Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre and Muncie Civic Theatre. She recently returned to the stage and was featured in CCP’s 2022 productions of “The Fantasticks” and “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment.”

Janowicz is replacing Lori Raffel, who she met while working on CCP’s production of “Shipwrecked!”

Raffel, who has served on CCP’s Board of Directors since 1999, stepped down as artistic director in November 2022.

Clare Longendyke will play the piano pieces for “Requiem for the Adrift” and “Shattered.” (Photo courtesy of Clare Longendyke)

Weatherly

CCP names artistic director

Janowicz

Explore the world of hams

Commentary by Mark LaFay

When thinking about meats that are used on a charcuterie board, I group them into three categories:

• Spreadable meats like pâté, nduja, terrines, or rillettes.

• Ground meats, which are mainly salami.

• Whole muscle meats, like speck, lomo, bresaola, or ham like prosciutto.

In the whole muscle category, the king, in my opinion, is prosciutto, or simply put — ham. Dry-cured hams are simply whole hind quarters that are salted down and slowly dried and aged over extended periods of time. As the ham is dried and aged, it develops rich flavors that can be absolutely sublime.

The two most popular hams in the world are lesser-known Iberico ham and the more widely known Prosciutto di Parma. Iberico ham is made from aged hind quarters of Iberico pigs that live on the Iberian Peninsula of Spain. They are finished largely on acorns on the oak forest floor. Prosciutto di Parma is ham made from pigs in the Parma region of Italy that are finished with whey from the parmesan-making process.

Pigs don’t sweat, and so they tend to take on flavors of the ingredients of their diet. Parma ham takes on a slightly cheesy flavor as it ages and, you guessed it, Iberico ham takes on a nuttier flavor. Both hams when aged past 24 months become truly unforgettable. There are several other types of hams made in regions around the world. However, these two hams can’t be passed up. Domestically, we have a handful of producers of ham that are made in the tradition of Parma, but by law are not Parma hams. There are hundreds of producers of Iberico and Parma Ham. Start exploring and make notes as you find brands and ages that you prefer.

For a great domestic ham, check out La Quercia, an Iowa-based ham producer.

There are countless options for epic prosciutto, both domestic and international. Enjoy the exploration!

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band to perform with CSO

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

fectly with an orchestra.

MUSIC

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes has always been a big fan of Earth, Wind & Fire. “I have been listening to this music since I was in high school,” Hymes said. “This genre of music is appealing to so many as it covers different styles — funk, R&B, jazz, soul and more. The music is timeless, and people familiar with this music as well as people new to the group will enjoy it.”

Serpentine Fire, a tribute act for Earth, Wind & Fire, will join Carmel Symphony Orchestra for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Serpentine Fire performs the music of East, Wind & Fire. The show is billed as “a fast-paced journey through those ‘70s and ‘80s EW&F hits that everyone knows.” The band’s name is derived from one of those hits.

Hymes has not seen Serpentine Fire perform in person.

“I have heard they are fantastic musicians and wonderful entertainers,” Hymes said. “All of my favorites will be played at the concert, and there are many.”

The music of Earth, Wind & Fire fits per-

“The orchestral arrangements are excellent and fit perfectly into the style of Earth, Wind and Fire,” Hymes said. “The brass parts are especially suited to their style, and I think the audience will truly enjoy this special concert. Sometimes pops concerts fall short because the arrangements don’t feature the orchestra and the orchestra is just filler. I look for programs that highlight the orchestra and make it more interesting to perform.”

Tyriq Johnson formed Serpentine Fire and is the lead vocalist.

FAMILY FUN CONCERT SET

CSO’s Family Fun concert is set for 3 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Palladium. Children will have an opportunity to sit on the stage with the CSO musicians during the interactive concert.

“Every time we perform this concert, we feel it is a success because the audience gets so excited coming on stage, being close to the musicians and present ‘in’ the sound,” Hymes said. “We plan this program to suit all ages and it never disappoints.”

Tom Chen, Carmel High School director of orchestras, will be conducting the program.

For tickets for either show, visit thecenterpresents.org. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

Serpentine Fire to perform in concert with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. (Photo courtesy of Carmel Symphony Orchestra)

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment.

The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net.

We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays.

To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032

www.IntegrityAutomotive.net